South African farmers are critical to national food security, producing surplus food that supports both domestic needs and significant exports to less food-secure African countries.
The agricultural sector contributes substantially to the economy, with $13.7 billion in exports in 2024, nearly half to African markets, particularly in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and Southern African Customs Union (SACU).
Farm Murders and Security Concerns:
South Africa has faced persistent farm attacks, with reports of increased incidents in 2023 following the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) singing the controversial "Kill the Boer" song at rallies. For instance, the Transvaal Agricultural Union (TAU SA) reported 35 farm murders in the first seven months of 2023, compared to 24 in the same period in 2022, causing fear among farmers. AfriForum and the Freedom Front Plus (FF+) claim these attacks are exacerbated by inflammatory rhetoric, though official data from the South African Police Service (SAPS) indicates farm murders (50–70 annually in recent years) constitute less than 1% of the country’s 27,000 annual murders.
Government Response to Farm Murders:
Critics, including AfriForum and FF+ leader Pieter Groenewald, argue that Ramaphosa’s government has not done enough to condemn the song or prioritize farm safety, with the Presidency declining to probe the chant due to ongoing court cases. The government disputes claims of negligence, pointing to SAPS data showing a decline in farm murders from 138 in 2001–2002 to 50–70 recently. Ramaphosa’s administration emphasizes broader crime reduction efforts, but groups like TAU SA and AfriForum demand specific protections for farmers, citing their disproportionate risk relative to their small population (less than 0.1%).
WEEKEND- VIEWPOINT -South African Farmers Must Unite to Protect Their Industry and Food Security
While farm murders are a serious issue, their scale is often amplified by groups like AfriForum, and the "Kill the Boer" song’s legal protection reflects South Africa’s commitment to free speech, though its use is divisive. Ramaphosa faces a balancing act: addressing farmer safety without alienating political allies like the EFF, while navigating trade disruptions from US tariffs. The government’s broader crime and economic strategies may dilute focus on farmers specifically, but SAPS data suggests no targeted "genocide." Diversifying export markets and strengthening AfCFTA could bolster food security and economic stability, but immediate action on farm safety remains a pressing concern for rural communities. It seems that the governments negotiating team is not that qualified to negotiate any succesful trade deal with the USA - leaving South African farmers in a very bad position.
Why would a President of a country not protecting his citizens and its Farmers from Brutal murders.
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